Purpose: Recently, there has been a rise in the interest to understand the composition of indoor dust due to its association with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Furthermore, it has been found that bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) within indoor dust particles can induce pulmonary inflammation, suggesting that these might play a role in lung disease. Methods: We performed microbiome analysis of indoor dust EVs isolated from mattresses in apartments and hospitals. We developed diagnostic models based on the bacterial EVs antibodies detected in serum samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in this analysis. Results: Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial EV taxa observed at the phylum level while Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae (f) and Acinetobacter were the most prominent organisms at the genus level, followed by Staphylococcus. Based on the microbiome analysis, serum anti-bacterial EV immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1 and IgG4 were analyzed using ELISA with EV antibodies that targeted Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The levels of anti-bacterial EV antibodies were found to be significantly higher in patients with asthma, COPD and lung cancer compared to the healthy control group. We then developed a diagnostic model through logistic regression of antibodies that showed significant differences between groups with smoking history as a covariate. Four different variable selection methods were compared to construct an optimal diagnostic model with area under the curves ranging from 0.72 to 0.81. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that ELISA-based analysis of anti-bacterial EV antibodies titers can be used as a diagnostic tool for lung disease. The present findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of lung disease as well as a foundation for developing a novel diagnostic methodology that synergizes microbial EV metagenomics and immune assays.

Purpose: Recently, there has been a rise in the interest to understand the composition of indoor dust due to its association with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Furthermore, it has been found that bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) within indoor dust particles can induce pulmonary inflammation, suggesting that these might play a role in lung disease. Methods: We performed microbiome analysis of indoor dust EVs isolated from mattresses in apartments and hospitals. We developed diagnostic models based on the bacterial EVs antibodies detected in serum samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in this analysis. Results: Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial EV taxa observed at the phylum level while Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae (f) and Acinetobacter were the most prominent organisms at the genus level, followed by Staphylococcus. Based on the microbiome analysis, serum anti-bacterial EV immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1 and IgG4 were analyzed using ELISA with EV antibodies that targeted Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The levels of anti-bacterial EV antibodies were found to be significantly higher in patients with asthma, COPD and lung cancer compared to the healthy control group. We then developed a diagnostic model through logistic regression of antibodies that showed significant differences between groups with smoking history as a covariate. Four different variable selection methods were compared to construct an optimal diagnostic model with area under the curves ranging from 0.72 to 0.81. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that ELISA-based analysis of anti-bacterial EV antibodies titers can be used as a diagnostic tool for lung disease. The present findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of lung disease as well as a foundation for developing a novel diagnostic methodology that synergizes microbial EV metagenomics and immune assays.

BACKGROUND: AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance and safety of a new ¹⁸F-labeled amyloid tracer, ¹⁸F-FC119S. METHODS: This study prospectively recruited 105 participants, comprising 53 with Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, 16 patients with dementia other than AD (non-AD), and 36 healthy controls (HCs). In the first screening visit, the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery cognitive function test was given to the dementia group, while HC subjects completed the Korean version of the Mini Mental State Examination. Individuals underwent ¹⁸F-FC119S PET, ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, and brain MRI. The diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-FC119S PET for AD was compared to a historical control (comprising previously reported and currently used amyloid-beta PET agents), ¹⁸F-FDG PET, and MRI. The standardized uptake value (SUV) ratio (ratio of the cerebral cortical SUV to the cerebellar SUV) was measured for each PET data set to provide semiquantitative analysis. All adverse effects during the clinical trial periods were monitored. RESULTS: Visual assessments of the ¹⁸F-FC119S PET data revealed a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 84% in detecting AD. ¹⁸F-FC119S PET demonstrated equivalent or better diagnostic performance for AD detection than the historical control, ¹⁸F-FDG PET (sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 76.0%), and MRI (sensitivity of 98.0% and specificity of 50.0%). The SUV ratios differed significantly between AD patients and the other groups, at 1.44±0.17 (mean±SD) for AD, 1.24±0.09 for non-AD, and 1.21±0.08 for HC. No clinically significant adverse effects occurred during the trial periods. CONCLUSIONS ¹⁸F-FC119S PET provides high sensitivity and specificity in detecting AD and therefore may be considered a useful diagnostic tool for AD.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been considered extremely rare in East Asia. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence, clinical characteristics and radiological findings of type 2 AIP highlighting patients presenting as acute pancreatitis in a single center. METHODS: Type 2 AIP patients were classified according to International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria. Radiological findings were compared between type 2 AIP presenting as acute pancreatitis and gallstone pancreatitis. RESULTS: Among 244 patients with AIP, 27 (11.1%) had type 2 AIP (definite, 15 [55.5%] and probable 12 [44.5%]). The median age of patients with type 2 AIP was 29 years (interquartile range, 20 to 39 years). Acute pancreatitis was the most common initial presentation (n=17, 63%) while obstructive jaundice was present in only one patient. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was associated with type 2 AIP in 44.4% (12/27) of patients. Radiological pancreatic imaging such as delayed enhancement of diffusely enlarged pancreas, homogeneous enhancement of focal enlargement/mass, absent/minimal peripancreatic fat infiltration or fluid collection, and multifocal main pancreatic duct narrowings were helpful for differentiating type 2 AIP from gallstone pancreatitis. During follow-up (median, 32.3 months), two patients (2/25, 8%) experienced relapse. CONCLUSIONS: In South Korea, type 2 AIP is not as rare as previously thought. Overall, the clinical profile of type 2 AIP was similar to that of Western countries. Type 2 AIP should be considered in young UC patients with acute pancreatitis of uncertain etiology.
Colitis, Ulcerative ; Consensus ; Far East ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Korea ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatitis ; Prevalence ; Recurrence

In the version of this article initially published, the fifth author's name was stated as “Joo Nam Lee.

PURPOSE: Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) has been shown to inhibit airway inflammation, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse model of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inhaled recombinant FGF2 in asthmatic patients. METHODS: Eight asthmatics were eligible for the study. All patients were admitted to a hospital, and recombinant FGF2 was administered using a nebulizer at a concentration of 4.5 ng/mL three times a day for one week. Pulmonary function test, methacholine bronchial provocation test, induced sputum analysis, asthma control test (ACT), and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) were performed at the beginning of wash-out period, before and after the treatment, and at the end of study. And all these parameters were compared before and after FGF2 treatment. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events associated with recombinant FGF2 during five-week study period. Daytime and nocturnal symptoms improved after the treatment (P=0.028 and P=0.012, respectively). AQLQ and ACT also improved after the treatment (P=0.017 and P=0.011, respectively). However, lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation showed no significant difference before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Inhaled recombinant FGF2 was safely used to eight asthmatics without any serious adverse events, and improved daytime and nocturnal symptoms, and quality of life in adult asthmatics. FGF2 may be a potential drug in the treatment of asthma.
Adult ; Airway Remodeling ; Animals ; Asthma ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2* ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Mice ; Mucus ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Pilot Projects* ; Quality of Life ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Sputum ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The fourth author's name was misprinted.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2* ; Humans ; Pilot Projects*

A bronchial artery (BA) aneurysm is a rare, life-threatening disease when it ruptures. Recently, we experienced a case of massive hemoptysis due to a BA aneurysm rupture in a pulmonary tuberculosis cavity, treated with BA embolization followed by surgical resection of the cavitary lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a BA aneurysm associated with cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis.
Aneurysm* ; Bronchial Arteries* ; Hemoptysis ; Rupture ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

A bronchial artery (BA) aneurysm is a rare, life-threatening disease when it ruptures. Recently, we experienced a case of massive hemoptysis due to a BA aneurysm rupture in a pulmonary tuberculosis cavity, treated with BA embolization followed by surgical resection of the cavitary lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a BA aneurysm associated with cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis.
Aneurysm* ; Bronchial Arteries* ; Hemoptysis ; Rupture ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a hyperglycemic condition caused by increased insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion during pregnancy. It is known to be temporary, but it can cause perinatal complications in the mother and baby. Additionally, it may progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present study, we evaluated the risk factors for complications and progression to T2DM in patients with GDM. METHODS: The study included 130 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM at gestational weeks 24-28 in 2011. Body mass index and the levels of glucose, total cholesterol, lipoproteins, and coagulation factors (von Willebrand factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: The level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly lower and the triglyceride/HDL ratio and coagulation factor levels were significantly higher in the group of patients with perinatal complications compared to those in the group of patients without complications. After delivery, the level of HDL was lower and the value of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was higher in women with impaired glucose metabolism compared to those in women with normal glucose metabolism. In logistic regression analysis, perinatal complications were independently associated with HDL and PAI-1 levels (OR = 0.929 and 1.101, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study show that the levels of HDL and coagulation factors are notable risk factors of perinatal complications. Additionally, we showed that lower HDL level may influence the progression to T2DM. Large-scale population studies are needed to verify our findings.
Blood Coagulation Factors ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Diabetes Mellitus* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetes, Gestational* ; Female ; Glucose ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipoproteins ; Lipoproteins, HDL ; Logistic Models ; Metabolism ; Mothers ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; Plasminogen Activators ; Postpartum Period* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Risk Factors* ; von Willebrand Factor